Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and French President Emmanuel Macron met at Blenheim Palace in the UK on July 18, coinciding with the European Political Community summit. According to the government readout, their discussions focused on enhancing multi-sectoral cooperation between Armenia and France.

A significant portion of their dialogue was dedicated to the Armenia-Azerbaijan peace process, with both leaders emphasizing efforts to ensure regional peace and stability. Additionally, Pashinyan and Macron exchanged ideas on furthering Armenia-European Union cooperation.

Pashinyan also met with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in a separate meeting at Blenheim Palace. The discussions highlighted the importance of advancing political and economic cooperation between Armenia and Germany. Both leaders underscored the need for consistent steps to strengthen these ties.

Pashinyan reiterated Armenia’s firm stance on the border demarcation process with Azerbaijan and explored possibilities for unblocking regional infrastructure. Humanitarian issues, particularly those affecting individuals displaced from Nagorno-Karabakh, were also discussed. Pashinyan detailed the Armenian government’s long-term housing security programs and plans, stressing the importance of continued international support.

The meetings also touched upon the broader development of Armenia-EU cooperation, highlighting the mutual interest in deepening these relations.

Macron Addresses Azerbaijani Concerns Over Arms Supplies to Armenia

Supplying partners with arms and ammunition for self-defense is standard practice, French President Emmanuel Macron stated during a press conference at the European Political Community summit in London. In response to an Azerbaijani journalist’s question about arms supplies to Armenia, Macron explained, “It is normal to respond to the request of a sovereign country that wants to arm itself, feeling that it may be subject to aggression by another state. And I have never heard from Prime Minister Pashinyan that he has any plan for war or aggression.”

Macron pointed out that Azerbaijan outpaced Armenia in arming itself over the past decade. “If you look, over the last decade, Azerbaijan seems to have been arming itself much better than Armenia. And if my memory serves me correctly (correct me if I’m wrong), it was Azerbaijan that started a terrible war in 2020,” he said.

The French president emphasized that military cooperation between countries is a normal aspect of international relations. He reiterated that both Armenia and France seek peace and expressed hope that Azerbaijan shares this perspective. “If the two countries finalize a peace agreement, we will support it,” Macron concluded.